MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas began the crucial part of its buildup for the FIBA World Cup on a sour note after losing to Estonia, 71-81, in a pocket tournament game at the Kalevi Sports Hall in the Estonian capital of Talinn early Wednesday (Philippine Time).
Gilas started flat as the Estonians raced to a 29-14 lead at the end of the first quarter before extending the lead to 22, 41-19, in the second quarter.
Gilas, however, sizzled in the second half and drew to within three, 63-66, early in the fourth period.
But Estonia eventually escaped as the Filipino side fell flat anew in the end as they dearly missed Justin Brownlee, who sat the rest of the way after an apparent injury in the third.
Carlos Jurgens led Estonia with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block, while Mikk Jurkatamm added 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Dwight Ramos led Gilas with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals and one block.
While it will not affect the FIBA rankings, the win against the 40th ranked Gilas squad could serve as a major motivation for the 44th ranked Estonian side in its upcoming international events.
Box Scores:
Estonia 81-Jurgens 20, M. Jurkatamm 14, Ilver 12, Riismaa 10, Kirsipuu 8, Aav 5, Pehka 5, T. Jurkatamm 3, Kasemets 2, Carey 2
Philippines 71-Ramos 16, T. Ravena 9, Brownlee 8, Perez 7, K. Ravena 6, Abando 5, Erram 5, Aguilar 5, Fajardo 5, Newsome 2
Quarterscores: 29-14, 49-35, 64-59, 81-71 (PNA)
